Matt Giggs is joined by Verona Frankish and Adam Day and they engage in a discussion about the evolving landscape of estate agency models, particularly focusing on the self-employed versus corporate employed models. Adam shares his personal journey from traditional employment to embracing the self-employed model, highlighting the cultural differences he observed during his experiences abroad. Verona emphasises the importance of providing support and choice for agents within a self-employed framework, while both guests reflect on the challenges of recruitment, leadership, and maintaining a strong company culture. They also address the misconceptions surrounding multi-level marketing in the real estate sector and the significance of trust in building successful agent-client relationships. The conversation delves into the dynamics of leadership, accountability, and the future of the estate agency industry, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the real estate profession. Key Takeaways Self-Employed Model Preference: There is a strong belief in the self-employed estate agency model as a more viable option compared to the traditional corporate employed model. This shift is attributed to the flexibility and potential for higher earnings that self-employment offers. Importance of Leadership and Culture: Effective leadership characterized by understanding, empathy, and curiosity is essential for fostering a positive culture within estate agencies. Companies that fail to adapt their culture risk extinction as the industry evolves. Recruitment and Onboarding Challenges: The success of an agency heavily relies on good recruitment practices. Implementing structured onboarding processes and providing ongoing support can help new agents succeed, particularly in a self-employed model. Trust and Consumer Perception: Building trust with consumers is crucial, especially for self-employed agents who may lack the perceived security of a corporate brand. Ensuring that agents are well-trained and supported can enhance public perception of the self-employed model. Mentorship and Experience: The success of self-employed agents can be significantly influenced by mentorship and prior experience. Establishing a mentoring program for inexperienced agents can help bridge the gap and improve overall success rates in the industry. Social Links YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattgiggs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggsmatt/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giggsmatt Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgiggs/ Matt Giggs is a visionary property professional, industry leader, and the dynamic host of the Estate Agent Showdown Podcast. With 30 years of hands-on experience in real estate, Matt has built, grown, and inspired countless estate agents and businesses to reach new heights. Known for his no-nonsense approach and deep industry insights, he brings a fresh perspective to every episode, sparking candid conversations with top experts on the biggest challenges and opportunities in estate agency. Whether dissecting market trends or uncovering game-changing strategies, Matt’s passion for the industry and commitment to elevating professionals make him a must-listen voice in real estate. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/